Apogee Duet 2: the slickest audio interface ever?

OLED screen and touch pads now included

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The Duet 2 in action: click the image for a gallery of shots.

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Apogee has announced Duet 2, a new version of its Mac audio interface. As you'll see in the photo gallery to the right, it's quite the looker, and looks to be a significant step up from its predecessor.

For a start, the mic preamps and converters have been completely redesigned (there are two input channels), while there are now four analogue outputs so that you can have separate mixes for headphones and the main speaker outs. The outputs are balanced, and the Duet 2 operates at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution.

On the top of the Duet 2 you'll notice the full colour OLED display, which delivers visual feedback for multiple functions. With different screens, you can check the status of any input or output without referring to the new Maestro 2 control software or your DAW. Below this are two configurable touch pads that give you access to several of Duet 2's output functions.

It's also worth noting that Duet 2 ditches the original Duet's FireWire connection in favour of USB 2.0, while the breakout cable has been redesigned, too. A new breakout box can be purchased separately.

The full feature list is below, while you can find more details at Apogee's website. Duet 2 costs $595 and will be available in April.